#TucsonGemShow - JCK - The New Kid In The Desert Part One

This year JCK Tucson opens the doors to its inaugural at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, a AAA 4-Diamond property, hosting 120 exhibitors, featuring luxury, silver, fashion, bridal, designers and welcoming over 3,000 buyers from around the globe.  

http://tucson.jckonline.com/

Photos are of the hotel and property of the JW Marriott Tucson  

Daily themes will highlight each product category, and which Show Specials will be offered.This is a great way to plan you days in Tucson - the daily themes are:

Sunday, February 2
               3:00 PM – SuperBowl JCK Kick-Off
               Salud Terrace

Monday, February 3
               THEME: FINISHED JEWELRY
               Shop the finished jewelry themed days for the ideal bookends to your week in 

               Tucson—uncover new lines and explore the latest trends to complete your shopping

               experience

Tuesday, February 4
               THEME: FASHION JEWELRY
               Discover the latest trends and affordable collections as colors, textures, and new

               materials are brought to life by our exhibitors presenting fashion jewelry products.

Wednesday, February 5
               THEME: SILVER
               Find an array of fine silver jewelry, accessories and more as we bring one of the 

               most popular areas on the JCK Las Vegas show floor to Tucson.

Thursday, February 6 (two themes)
               THEME: DESIGN
               From ornate products and new techniques to custom pieces and twists on classic 

               styles—JCK Tucson’s designers are sure to provide you with an assortment of 

               collections that will entice even the most unique customer.

               THEME: LUXURY               Every day, shop luxury for high-end jewelry designers and well-known brands 

               whose collections, elegance, and craftsmanship are sure to exceed all expectations.

Friday, February 7
               THEME: BRIDAL
               The cornerstone of every store—bridal products at JCK Tucson offer a wide 

               selection of both the latest trends and classics in engagement sets, wedding bands, 

               and semi-mounts, at all price points to present your customers with the perfect 

               pieces for that special time in their lives.

Saturday, February 8
               THEME: FINISHED JEWELRY
               Shop our finished jewelry themed days for the ideal bookends to your week in 

               Tucson—uncover new lines and explore the latest trends to complete your shopping 

                experience.

Pre-registered buyers including Ben Bridge Jewelers, Seattle, WA, Pave Fine Jewelry, Oakland, CA, Reeds Jewelers, Wilmington, NC, Jewelry By Design, Woodbridge, VA, and Hamra Jewelers, Scottsdale, AZ, to name a few, are getting ready to see the newest products as seasoned JCK and LUXURY exhibitors are abuzz with excitement for the launch of the new show!

If you aren't staying at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort there are some really great events that JCK has added to the schedule...brilliant opportunities to escape the crazy hectic pace of the shows...each day head out and join these easy startups and wind downs.

Start your day with...
6:30 AM – Southwest Trekking Hiking Tour of Sonora Desert
Leave from JW Marriott Starr Pass lobby

7:00 AM – Mitakuye Oyasin Morning Ritual
Salud Terrace
Begin your day by reflecting on the connection we all have with nature and each other, finding focus and creating lasting memories. In a ritual that is centuries old, you will have the opportunity to make your intentions known to the universe through the traditional burning of sage.

...and wind down while making new friends!
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM – JCK Happy Hour
Salud Terrace

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM – The Legend of Arriba Arajo – Tequila Toast
Salud Terrace
This is the perfect way to celebrate with old friends and create new ones - “we are all related."

Along with all the Fabulous Exhibitors - there are several Industry support companies at JCK Tucson - from the American Gem Society and Jewelers Mutual Insurance to Jewelers for Children.

Qualifications for Registration

JCK IS OPEN TO ALL JEWELRY INDUSTRY TRADE PROFESSIONALS

• If your company has been approved to attend a JCK event (JCK Las Vegas, LUXURY, JCK Toronto, LUXURY Privé New York, LUXURY Privé Panama) within the last 3 years you will be automatically approved.
• If this is your first time attending or your company has changed, we request that you provide the additional information listed below.

If you do not meet the above qualifications, you must provide the following:

• Copy of your business license or sales tax certificate
• Copies of itemized invoices from two different suppliers of finished jewelry or jewelry related products within the past year

...and last but not least - Getting There!
JCK Tucson will be providing shuttle service to three key locations:

           Downtown Tucson - Palo Verde - AGTA GemFair

Visit the other 38 shows or just find a great bar or restaurant Downtown! Shuttles will run ever 30 minutes beginning at 8:30 am, the last shuttle leaves the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort at 6:00 pm.

Shuttle Stops Include:

Downtown Tucson                                      Palo Verde Simpson Street                                                Michigan Street

                                                                            Tucson Expo CenterAGTA GemFair- Tucson Conv. Ctr 

Look for Part Two where we take a look at some of the amazing brands at JCK Tucson.

#tucsongemshow - The Westward Look Fine Mineral Show

The Westward Look Show is in its 13th year!! With Al and Sue Liebetrau as "Collector of the Day" showing their award-winning collection in the lobby of the resort on Saturday, February 8th, 2014. On Sunday, February 9th their annual Sunday Evening Program presents Daniel Trinchillo of Fine Minerals International, with "The Pedernieira Mine, A Rainbow of Colors". 

The Liebetrau's collection of Pseudomorphs via The Vug http://www.the-vug.com/vug/article206.html

February 8th - Collector of the Day
10am - 4pm in the Resort Lobby 
Al and Sue Liebetrau are both scientists, both passionate about minerals and both in the search for great minerals for a long time. They won the Lidstrom trophy for the best specimen in competition in the 2010 TGMS Show with their Chinese stibnite. I decided to highlight Al and Sue because of their passion and true love of minerals and because they are not elite, but are great people with a real passion and they illustrate what focus and self-taught knowledge with the love of "the hunt" can produce in a mineral collection.

February 9th - Sunday Evening Program

6pm Social 7:30pm Program 

Sonoran Ballroom

Daniel Trinchillo is a dealer who only wants to do what is "the best" in collecting, so he naturally went after tourmalines of the Pederneira Mine in the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The Pederneira Mine has produced what many regard as the best clusters of multi-colored tourmalines ever produced on the planet.

Tourmalines from the Pederneira Mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil are arguably the best matrix pieces of tourmaline crystals in the world. This is a beautiful group of bi-colored tourmalines from the Pederneira photographed by Malte Sickinger. Daniel Trinchillo of Fine Minerals International will present "The Pederneira Mine-A Rainbow of Color" at this year's Sunday Evening Program at the Westward Look Show! It will be a very exciting presentation, as we are all interested to know what is going on these days at this very famous mine. 

At Fine Mineral Shows we strongly believe that mineral shows provide not just a setting for procurement of the specimens to make your collection grow, but a venue to learn, meet potential mentors (or be one) and see, touch and feel nature's art in real time. Our mission is to support the hobby in any positive way we can and to create more collectors of fine mineral specimens.
"LIKE" THE FINE-MINERAL-SHOW PAGE FOR GREAT MINERAL PHOTOS, SHOW DETAILS AND UPDATES!!  
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fine-Mineral-Show/218146268259533

Check out the website for a list of dealers and other special events at the 2014 Westward Look Show.      www.FineMineralShow.com

#TucsonGemShow - Top 5 FAQs and General Information

# 1Misnomer - How do I register for the Tucson Gem Show?

You don't - the Tucson Gem Show is actually just under 40 individual shows at different venues throughout the City of Tucson during the same two week period at the end of January through the beginning of February. 

To pre-register you must go to the website of each show - some allow pre-registration and some don't.  The easiest way to accomplish this is to go to the Tucson EZ-Guide page and on the left click through to each show - read the show description - have a look at the vendors that will be exhibiting - and click through to the websites of the shows that work best for you and your business to check for registration information!
http://xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html


How do I know which shows I need to go to?

You are going to get this answer over and over - the Tucson EZ-Guide page is always the most current information about all of the Tucson Gem Shows: The easiest way to accomplish this is to go to the Tucson EZ-Guide page and on the left click through to each show - read the show description - have a look at the vendors that will be exhibiting - and click through to the websites of the shows that work best for you and your business write down the dates and registration information! 
http://xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html

You can also look up the resources you are already using - this gives you the opportunity to talk to the vendor face-to-face and let them know the quality and type of components you need...you will be surprised how many will purchase goods to meet your needs once you've established a personal connection.

Also - ask your peers - odds are that they are going and may have some suggestions!  ...there are conversation threads everywhere from the various Artisan Forums to Etsy!

General suggestions: Goldsmiths love the AGTA, GJX and JCK Tucson Shows. Beaders tend to hit the Holidome, Best Bead and Freeway Shows. For Silvermiths and Metal Clay Artisans - the Freeway Shows are a must, the Kino Sports Complex shows and To Bead True Blue.

I can't stay for two weeks - what dates are my best plan?

The easiest way to accomplish this is to go to the Tucson EZ-Guide page and on the left click through to each show - read the show description - have a look at the vendors that will be exhibiting - and click through to the websites of the shows that work best for you and your business write down the dates and registration information! 
http://xpopress.com/AZ-show-schedule.html

Once you have a list of shows and dates you can choose the best dates that overlap as many of the shows as possible...don't expect to make it to everything - I have been attending for a decade and still haven't figured out how to do that!

I have supplies I need to pick up but what else can I do in Tucson?

I think that anyone who says I can't afford to go to Tucson is nuts!  The best part of Tucson is the education...from the FREE Seminars at the AGTA to the fabulous MJSA "At The Bench" demonstrations in the Tools Hall you will never get the opportunity to talk to the experts gathered for this auspicious event.  Antoinette Matlins charges a premium to teach people to use Gemological Instruments - her two seminar "Gem ID" is FREE!

There are also paid courses from GIA and hundreds of workshops on every type of Jewelry Making there is!  

The Tucson Bead Show and Too Bead True Blue both offer free demos and paid workshops:
http://www.thetucsonbeadshow.com/workshop_list.php
http://www.tobeadtrueblue.com/workshop_list.php

The JOGS Show offers a huge selection of worshops from JewelryTools.com:
http://www.jewelrytools.com/classes/

Classes at the Whole Bead Show: http://www.wholebead.com/class_AZ14.html

The Best Bead Show has a really fun assortment this year:  http://www.bestbeadshow.com/BestBeadShowClasses/BestBeadShowClasses.aspx

This is the assortment of learning opportunities that I was able to find - I am sure there are more...

OK - I know which shows I want to attend but how often will I find myself in the presence of hundreds of Gem & Jewelry companies - how can I expand my horizons?

Don't hibernate in your niche - take an afternoon and head up to the Fine Mineral Show for the most incredible mineral specimens on display...or check out the museum grade Dinosaurs and Fossils at the Arizona Mineral & Fossil Show.


Is there a shuttle or mass transit that can be used to get around town or do I need a car?

Not only are there shuttles but 2014 marks the introduction of "Gem Ride"...from the City of Tucson and Parkwise it is a shuttle around the Downtown shows.
For their latest shuttle info follow:  https://www.facebook.com/ParkWiseTucson
...on Twitter @ParkDTTucson

Shuttle information can be found in the free show guides available at the various venues.

More on Gem Ride below...

Bottom Line - check out as much as you can!  Enjoy!

#TucsonGemShow - 2014 Tucson: Garan Bedagio - Two Shows - Two Locations

2014 Tucson: Two Shows - Two Locations

To Bead True Blue Doubletree Reid Park is now 9 days, February 2 through 10, 2014, Sunday through Monday, 10am to 6pm. Find the exhibitor list here and workshop list here.

The Tucson Bead Show Windmill Inn is February 4 through 9, 10am to 6pm, and has expanded with new bead makers, jewelry artists, designers, and gem cutters, as well as new workshops. Find the exhibitor list here and workshop list here.

Each show has its own individual exhibitor list and selection of artisan booths, galleries, merchant displays, wholesalers, dealers, and designers, carefully selected for quality and originality.

The workshops offered at both shows are the largest presentation of themes anywhere, and include 550 classes never taught before.

Workshops include hands-on techniques and classes, including “Resin Alchemy”, “Fold Formed Bracelet”, “Leather Band Rings”, and “Romantic French Cuff”.

Complimentary online pre-registration is quick and easy –register for To Bead True Blue –andregister for The Tucson Bead Show.

The special attendee hotel room rates fill-up quickly. Click here for accommodations.

ToBeadTrueBlue.com

TheTucsonBeadShow.com

info@beadagio.com | (530) 274-2222

#TucsonGemShow - MJSA "At the Bench Live" Seminars for 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson

MJSA Announces Popular  "At the Bench Live" Seminars for 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson

MJSA, the trade association dedicated to professional excellence in jewelry making and design, will again present its signature At the Bench Live demonstrations at the 2014 AGTA GemFair Tucson. The sessions—which will cover topics ranging from working with currently fashionable gems and metals to new setting techniques—will run twice daily Feb. 4-7 in GemFair’s Tools, Technology, and Supplies Pavilion. In addition, related articles from MJSA Journal, the association’s flagship monthly magazine, will be distributed at each session.

The sessions are sponsored by the American Gem Trade Association, and the Bench and Tool Sponsor is the Jewelry Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. 

February 4
Mixing and Matching Gemstones with Fashionable Colors:
What Bench Jewelers Need to Know
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Placid Blue, Violet Tulip, Cayenne… The Pantone colors announced for 2014 offer a mix of soft pastels and vivid brights—but how will that translate to gemstones? Learn which gems will complement the year’s hot colors, how to pair multiple stones for maximum effect, and—just as important—how to best work with them to avoid breakage, chipping, and other shop disasters.
Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.

Rivets, Screws, & Cold Connections, Oh My
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

When assembling jewelry parts, solder is not your only option: Wire rivets, tubes, screws, and other “cold” connectors can not only safely secure parts, but also serve as creative embellishments in their own right. Learn how to make the needed tools and supplies—from decorative screws and rivets to inconspicuous shims—and then use them to connect parts efficiently.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.



February 5

Sizing Up and Down: How to Shorten Times and Improve Quality
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

Sizing a ring is one of the most common requests of a bench jeweler—and, if done efficiently, can also become one of the most profitable. Learn how to sequence jobs, join many types of metals cleanly and securely, and finish each joint to achieve a strong, secure bond with minimum time and effort.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.

The Pros and Cons of Dovetail Joints When Sizing a Ring
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Arthur Anton Skuratowicz

While butt joints may be most frequently used in ring sizing, dovetail joints have their place—and, in some cases, may be preferable, given the added support they provide. Learn the instances when a dovetail should and shouldn’t be used, its various forms (not all dovetails are the same), and the various techniques that will save time and produce a superior joint.

Arthur Skuratowicz, a co-founder of the Jewelry Training Center (JTC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he serves as director of education. He was the first instructor at the Gemological Institute of America to teach both gemology and jewelry manufacturing arts, and at JTC he combines training in Old World craftsmanship with modern business practices, including pricing, costing, and management. He and his wife, Julie Nash, are co-authors of Working with Gemstones: A Bench Jeweler’s Guide (MJSA Press). For more about Arthur, go tohttp://www.jewelrytrainingcenter.com.


February 6
New Techniques for Setting Princess-Cut Diamonds
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Joel McFadden

Princess-cut diamonds are among the most popular styles favored by consumers, but their sharp edges must be protected: Too much stress from the setting, and they could easily become damaged. Joel McFadden will demonstrate a new technique he developed that simplifies the setting process and ensures the stone’s points remain unharmed.

Joel McFadden, an award-winning designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs, a custom design jewelry boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey. A third-generation jeweler,he is one of the most experienced diamond setters in the United States, and has given training courses to other jewelers throughout the country. His work is frequently featured in trade journals (including MJSA Journal). For more about Joel, go to http://www.jmdjewelry.com.

Belly Busters: Strategies for Setting Colored Stones
2:30 to 4 p.m.
Presenter: Joel McFadden

When setting colored stones, jewelers have many factors to consider: The stone’s specific hardness, its durability, and—perhaps most important—its shape: Most colored stones tend to have heavy pavilions (i.e., they’re belly bottomed), and their seats need to reflect that. Learn different strategies for evaluating colored gemstones, as well as techniques for setting a bellied stone in either prongs or bezels, to ensure a tight, secure fit.
Joel McFadden, an award-winning designer and owner of Joel McFadden Designs, a custom design jewelry boutique in Red Bank, New Jersey. A third-generation jeweler,he is one of the most experienced diamond setters in the United States, and has given training courses to other jewelers throughout the country. His work is frequently featured in trade journals (including MJSA Journal). For more about Joel, go to http://www.jmdjewelry.com.

February 7
The “Other” White Metals: Palladium & Tarnish-Resistant Silvers
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Presenter: Jim Dailing

The high costs of precious metals have led jewelers to find new, lower-cost options—and, in the case of white metals, there are several. This presentation will discuss the fabrication and casting characteristics of palladium and the new tarnish-resistant silvers, show how to best work with them, and examine long-term wear and care issues.

Jim Dailing, a graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, who began his career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend in college cut an opal. He now operates Jim Dailing Designs in Portland, Oregon, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry and wedding rings. He also teaches workshops and private classes, and consults with jewelry makers and designers on production issues. For more about Jim, go to http://www.jimdailing.com.

Achieving the Perfect Polish
2:30 to 4 p.m.P
resenter: Jim Dailing
Small scratches and surface irregularities can ruin even the most beautifully designed piece of jewelry. See which polishing compounds and wheels will provide the best polish for various metals and surfaces, and learn techniques that will ensure your finished pieces have a shine and finish that sets them apart.

Jim Dailing, a graduate of the Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia, who began his career in metals and jewelry after watching a friend in college cut an opal. He now operates Jim Dailing Designs in Portland, Oregon, specializing in one-of-a-kind custom jewelry and wedding rings. He also teaches workshops and private classes, and consults with jewelry makers and designers on production issues. For more about Jim, go to http://www.jimdailing.com.

#TucsonGemShow - AGTA GemFair Tucson - Special Exhibits

Special Exhibits

AGTA Celebrates the Spectrum Awards
February 4 – 9           North Wall of Gemhall
Through the Spectrum Awards, the AGTA has been honoring superior talent in gemstone and jewelry design for twenty-seven years. Discover why this competition sets the standard for designers and lapidaries as you view the collection featuring the 2013 AGTA Spectrum Awards™ winning selections.

The Cultured Pearl Association of America
Exhibit of Extraordinary Cultured and Natural Pearls
February 4 – 9           GemHall in booth 1900
The CPAA will have on display the 2013-2014 International Pearl Competition winners and presenting the 2014 "Magical Gifts of Nature" a new traveling exhibition of Extraordinary and Incredible Cultured and Natural Pearls.

Smithsonian Institution Special Exhibit
February 4 – 9           GemHall in booth 1800
Each year more than 7,000,000 people visit the Smithsonian Institution to see the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems & Minerals, home of the Hope Diamond and the single largest exhibit hall ever renovated in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. You can see highlights of this fabulous collection at the AGTA GemFair™ on the GemHall floor. Don’t miss this opportunity to see some of our National Treasures and to speak to Jeffrey Post, Ph.D. and Curator of the National Gem Collection.

Somewhere In The Rainbow – A Modern Gem and Jewelry Collection
February 4 – 9           GemHall in booth 1711
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see one of the finest private colored gemstone and jewelry collections in the country. This display is meant to not only showcase the gorgeous gems and the master designers who have crafted finished jewelry for this collection, but most importantly for the mission of Somerwhere In The Rainbow. The goal of the collection is to bring accessible and hands on education and enjoyment of fine colored gems to museums, galleries, gemological organizations, retail stores and facilities dedicated to preserving the rarity and beauty of these minerals, gems and articles of jewelry.

#TucsonGemShow - AGTA GemFair Tucson - All The Info Needed!

You see it everywhere…television, magazines, movies, billboards… models, celebrities, royalty—they’re all wearing colored gemstones and pearls. The American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) is here to help you turn this opportunity into successful, sustainable business! At the AGTA GemFair™ Tucson, from February 4 to February 9, 2014, in the safe, secure comfort of the Tucson Convention Center, your experience will range from a “focus-and-find” assignment to an adventurous treasure hunt. You’ll network with US- and Canada-based professionals who adhere to a strict ethical code that supports quality, value and selection—sources you can trust! Plus, the seminars and workshops will educate and inspire! Success comes in many colors. Discover them all at the AGTA GemFair Tucson.

Show Dates and Hours
GemHall & Galleria	February 4- February 8, 2014	10:00a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
GemHall & Galleria	February 9, 2014	10:00a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Tools & Equipment	February 4- February 7, 2014	9:30a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Tucson Convention Center
260 South Church, Tucson, Arizona 85701
(Main Entrance Off Granada)

Pre-registration ends December 13, 2013.

Click here for information on how to register onsite.